Economy has some shoppers holding back, but area stores stay packed on Black Friday

DOUG STALEY

Saturday

Nov 29, 2008 at 12:01 AMNov 29, 2008 at 2:06 AM

While the sagging economy isn’t a concern to everyone, several Black Friday shoppers admitted they are being more cautious with their Christmas spending this year.

While the sagging economy isn’t a concern to everyone, several Black Friday shoppers admitted they are being more cautious with their Christmas spending this year.
Massillon resident Taria Moore, who was bargain hunting Friday at Kmart, 2366 Lincoln Way E., for her three sons and three foster children, said she planned to take advantage of the store’s layaway program.
Pushing a cart heaped with toys, Moore said she had managed to get everything on her list.
“I plan to keep it in there for at least two weeks,” Moore said. “Plus, I really don’t have anywhere to hide these things.”
Moore was among thousands of residents who swarmed area retailers Friday in search of dollar-stretching deals. The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the start of the holiday shopping season.
Most analysts are predicting a decline in Christmas sales because of the economic recession. A year ago, the Thanksgiving shopping week accounted for about 10 percent of overall holiday sales, according to ShopperTrak RCT Corp.
Although they weren’t necessarily trying to cut back on spending, Russ and Renee Kring, of Massillon, also had their eyes peeled for deals. The Krings were on the hunt for Bratz dolls, Barbies and Geo Trax toys for their children.
Kmart was the first stop of the day for the couple.
“It’s really about what our kids want,” Renee said.
Dusty Leggett, of Bowerston, was closely inspecting her gift list of 20 people, which included her fiance, daughter, nieces and nephews. However, Leggett said she wasn’t afraid to spend because she doesn’t want anyone to be disappointed.
“I buy for everybody,” she said. “I write this (list) all year and I hope I get everything ... I’m not afraid to spend because I don’t want any kids to be disappointed.”
Electronics, jewelry and toys such as Legos, Power Wheels and Disney items were being snapped up by Kmart shoppers, according to manager Jordan Adams.
She estimated about 50 people were waiting outside the store when doors opened at 6 a.m. Foot traffic remained steady through mid-morning, according to Adams.
It was obvious teenagers were on Chris Gallo’s shopping list: packages containing Guitar Hero II and an Xbox 360 were in his cart.
“I have five kids and I have a budget for each one of them,” the Green resident said.
An estimated 1,400 people were waiting outside Best Buy, 6595 Strip Ave. N.W., Jackson Township, Friday morning.
General Manager Bob Lewis described the crowd as overwhelming.
“We didn’t really know what to expect.” Lewis said. “There was a crowd.”
Sales of computers, flat-panel televisions and GPS units were brisk, according to Lewis.
“We are busier now than we were when we opened,” Lewis said mid-morning. “It has not really trailed off like it has in the past.”
Video game systems, including the Xbox 360 and the Sony Playstation 3, also were flying off the shelves, according to store officials.
Joyce Mairoca made the trek to Best Buy from Carrollton with her three daughters. The women were able to find most of the gifts on their list including the Garmin GPS system, the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS.
“We’ve been doing this for years (shopping on Black Friday) and everybody thinks we’re crazy,” she said.
Before their shopping blitz was done, the group planned to hit Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx and Toys “R” Us.
George and Sharon Bickis, of Canton, put a large dent in their holiday shopping at Massillon Target, 1980 Lincoln Way E. The couple had already grabbed several toys for their grandchildren, a couple of air compressors and a 26-inch LCD television.
Sharon came prepared with a list of toys generated by her grandchildren.
“This is the first place we came today. We’ve only been here about 45 minutes,” Sharon said.
Yaris Martinez, of Jackson Township, came to Target in search of a Little Tykes toy camera. After getting an early start, Martinez said she had already spent more than $400 at Wal-Mart.
“I didn’t even know what I bought,” she said. “I spent over $500 just today. That’s just the way it is.”
Katie Whaley, of Sebring, wasn’t looking for anything specific at the electronics store other than a good deal.
“I’ve got six kids,” she said. “... this is the eighth year that we’ve done this. You just have to have patience and enjoy it.”

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.